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Concerto in G major 'Fantasia', BWV571

Introduction

The Concerto in G, BWV571, is in the standard three-movement form of the concerto grosso but is identified in the sources both as ‘Fantasia’ and ‘Partita’. Although the lively first movement occasionally hints at the tutti/solo alternation of the concerto it can also be heard as a rigorous working-out of the opening theme. After a dramatic interrupted cadence, the figuration with which the movement ends is definitely that of the fantasia rather than the concerto. The brief slow movement in E minor is based on a sighing figure, heard both in its original descending form and in inversion. This leads directly into the third movement, a chaconne based on a descending six-note theme clearly present throughout. On its final appearance in the bass, two extra notes are added to make a complete octave, leading to a pedal point for the final flourish and cadence.

'Let me say without hesitation that Herrick’s performances are models of clarity, accuracy, precision and musicality … this is a complete Bach th ...'Herrick is one of the few organists who does justice to these difficult, elusive pieces … What a singular joy to hear the organ played with such ...» More